State Renews 13 Charter Schools But Flunks Three Others

Several win approval but are put on probation or have expansion plans rejected.

Thirteen of 16 charter schools up for renewal this year have been approved by the Christie administration, but three others – including one of the state’s oldest, in Jersey City – had their renewals denied.

The Liberty Charter School in Jersey City, in its 14th year, was rejected over what the state said was a poor record of student achievement and limited evidence that it could improve.

Even among the schools approved for renewal, four had expansion plans rejected and three others were put on probation.

Just one school, the Vineland Public Charter School, saw its full proposal for expansion approved, according to the list released late yesterday.

Following are charter schools up for renewal, along with the administration’s rulings for each one. The non-renewals can be appealed to the state education commissioner.

Charter Tech High School (Somers Point) – Renewal approved

Discovery Charter School (Newark) – Renewal approved

Ethical Community Charter School (Jersey City) – Renewal approved, with expansion to Grade 5 only